Environmental Specialist III

Scgov; Nokomis (FL); On-site; USD 53,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Flexible Spending Accounts

Job summary

Scgov is seeking a field-based environmental technician to lead habitat improvement projects, monitor invasive species, and perform ecological surveys. You will act as a liaison with internal departments and external agencies on derelict vessels and waterway issues.

The role requires maintaining field gear, supporting prescribed fire operations, and producing educational materials for the public outreach program. Starting pay aligns with county standards and includes comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field and 3 years of professional experience; or Master's degree can substitute for 1 year of experience.
• State of Florida pesticide applicators license with endorsement in Natural Areas or ability to obtain within 6 months after hire.

Responsibilities

• Lead habitat improvement projects, invasive species control, ecological surveys, park improvements, derelict vessel removal, and artificial reef initiatives.
• Serve as liaison with internal departments and external agencies regarding derelict vessels, waterway access, and navigation issues and improvements.
• Maintain field equipment (boats, GPS, small equipment, etc.) and assist in prescribed fire operations as needed.
• Develop and distribute environmental education materials and provide public outreach and technical assistance.
• Inspect landscape maintenance work performed by contractors at Siesta Beach Park to ensure quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, provide contractor feedback, and collaborate with Contract Managers on performance reviews.
• Submit or verify work orders, review payment justifications, and assist in landscape-related project planning.
• Support vegetation control, minor planting oversight, and herbicide application tracking within assigned areas.
• Perform outdoor fieldwork using small equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, and sprayers to support land/vegetation management and maintenance tasks in varying site and weather conditions.
• Conduct public outreach by providing education on coastal natural resources, responding to community inquiries, supporting civic and agency partnerships, and coordinating with media and volunteers to promote division goals.

Skills

Fieldwork

Public outreach

Technical assistance

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or related field

Master's degree may substitute for one year of experience

Tools

GPS

Boats

Chainsaws

Sprayers

Job description

Department: Parks Recreation and Natural Resources

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement.

About the Position

In this role, you will...

• Lead habitat improvement projects, invasive species control, ecological surveys, park improvements, derelict vessel removal, and artificial reef initiatives.
• Serve as liaison with internal departments and external agencies regarding derelict vessels, waterway access, and navigation issues and improvements.
• Maintain field equipment (boats, GPS, small equipment, etc.) and assist in prescribed fire operations as needed.
• Develop and distribute environmental education materials and provide public outreach and technical assistance.
• Inspect landscape maintenance work performed by contractors at Siesta Beach Park to ensure quality, safety, and contract compliance.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, provide contractor feedback, and collaborate with Contract Managers on performance reviews.
• Submit or verify work orders, review payment justifications, and assist in landscape-related project planning.
• Support vegetation control, minor planting oversight, and herbicide application tracking within assigned areas.
• Perform outdoor fieldwork using small equipment such as chainsaws, trimmers, and sprayers to support land/vegetation management and maintenance tasks in varying site and weather conditions.
• Conduct public outreach by providing education on coastal natural resources, responding to community inquiries, supporting civic and agency partnerships, and coordinating with media and volunteers to promote division goals.

About the Schedule

• Work Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week.
• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ( no weekends! )

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• -Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental sciences, or a related field -AND- three (3) years of professional experience.
• -OR- A master's degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
• -OR- Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required college degree.
• State of Florida pesticide applicators license with an endorsement in Natural Areas or the ability to obtain within 6 months after hire (we can help with this!)

Preferred Qualifications:

• -United States Coast Guard boater safety certifications.
• -Limited Lawn and Ornamental applicator endorsement.
• -Wildland fire certifications in S-130 and S-190.
• -Scuba diving certification.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening

This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay: $58,947.00/annually

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

Benefits:

• Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! C hoose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 pre